Preview & Prediction: Celtic vs Molde

Scottish champions Celtic are in desperate need of a win against Molde if they are to have any chance of progressing to the knockout rounds of the Europa League.

Ronny Deila’s side are three games without a win and bottom of Group A after losing 3-1 at their visitors 14 days ago, in what was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first game back at the Molde helm.

The Bhoys were poor in a rain-soaked Norway, but Celtic will be hoping to claim three points in order to improve their chances of getting past the group stage.

However, Molde are currently top of Group A after collecting seven points from their three matches, and know a win will secure their progress.

They are also undefeated since Solskjaer took charge a fortnight ago, winning all three of their matches.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has won his three matches in charge since returning to Molde

Team News

Scott Brown, the Celtic and Scotland captain, will miss the game at Parkhead after picking up a knee injury.

Nir Bitton is likely to replace him, and partner Stefan Johansen in the centre of midfield.

Jozo Simunovic, the 21-year-old Croatian, is a doubt with a foot problem and Charlie Mulgrew remains sidelined with a thigh injury.

Kris Commons will be hoping to complete the 90 minutes this time, having been substituted in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago.

The former Derby County frontman was visibly unhappy at being withdrawn in Norway, and took his frustrations out on assistant boss John Collins.

For Molde, 40-year-old Daniel Berg Hestad, who is the oldest player to feature in the group stages, has revealed that he will retire once Molde’s Europa League campaign comes to an end, but until then he remains a leading figure on the pitch.

Group Position: Celtic – 4th (2 points); Molde – 1st (7 points)
Last Meeting: Molde 3-1 Celtic, October 22, 2015
Key Men: Celtic – Leigh Griffiths; Molde – Ola Kamara
Form: Celtic – LDWDLW; Molde – DWWWWW
Shoot Says: Celtic 2-1 Molde